Christian Buffaloe, 16, recently competed in the "2015 World Kyokushin Karate Teen Championships" in Tokyo, Japan.
There were over 1,500 competitors from around the world fighting for the elite teen title in several categories. This prestigious event is held once every 4 years and is sponsored by the International Kyokushin Karate Organization in Tokyo, Japan. Christian Buffaloe was one of only 2 Americans in this elite championship with the majotity of competitors coming from Japan and Russia. There were also fighters from Poland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other countries in eastern Europe.
Christian Buffaloe faced a very strong and experienced Japanese champion competitor from the famous Josai Shibu (West Tokyo Branch School), known as the "Champions' Manufactory" producing the strongest Kyokushin fighters and champions in Japan. This intense match started with both fighters feeling each other out the first 10 seconds. Christian Buffaloe then began to furiously attack his larger Japanese opponent with many punches and kicks driving him backwards. Both competitors exchanged many high level techniques showcasing their skills to the delight of the spectators. Several techniques had knockout potential from both fighters during this high level match. At the conclusion of the round, the judges all ruled the match an even Hikiwake (Draw) and ordered an Encho Sen (Extra Overtime Round).
The overtime round began with Buffaloe starting to become more aggressive and using many power techniques with his opponent retreating. At the halfway point in the match, Buffaloe threw a very strong Chudan Mawashi-Geri(Middle Round Kick) to the ribs of his taller Japanese opponent. Buffaloe's instep hit his opponent's elbow instead accidently damaging his right foot. Buffaloe's opponent took advantage of the situation and then attacked with repeated Gedan Mawashi-Geri ((Low Shin Kicks) to the legs. The kicks were enough for the judges to award the overtime round to the Japanese competitor in a very close decision. That same Japanese competitor later lost his next round fight to Mika, the ultimate champion of the entire championship. There were many knockouts in this world teen championship with many fighters being carried off the mat by a stretcher to the hospital for medical attention. In Kyokushin, matches are always full contact, knockdown style with many fighters becoming incapacitated and unable to continue.
Christian Buffaloe fought to the best of his potential and has no regrets about the outcome of this match. Buffaloe is motivated to train even harder in anticipation for the next challenge and fighting opportunity. Each time Buffaloe competes in Kyokushin championships, he grows and develops as a fighter and learns many new things. Immediately after this world championship, Christian Buffaloe received a great training opportunity. Buffaloe was invited to take part in an intensive Kyokushin Gashiku (Training Camp) under several famous Shihans (Masters) at the historical Mount Mitsumine in Saitama, Japan (2 1/2 hours from Tokyo) for two days. Buffaloe was one of only a few teens to receive this honor with mostly adult Kyokushin fighters and students. The training was very hard and intense strengthening Buffaloe's spirit, body, and mind. Buffaloe left this camp feeling rejuvenated and motivated to work even harder in the future in his Kyokushin training here in North Carolina.
Christian Buffaloe is very thankful and grateful for the wonderful opportunity to compete in the World Teen Championship and to train at the Mt. Mitsumine Camp. Buffaloe appreciates all the financial and moral support that he received from family, friends, students, parents, and sponsors.
An A.B.C. TV news segment recently focused on Christian Buffaloe's quest to go to Japan to compete in the World Teen Championships. Here is the link to that segment: http://abc11.com/sports/local-teen-chasing-karate-world-championship/1092306/
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